(UNDATED) - As expected, Indiana is shattering records for applications for heating assistance.

The federal government doubled Indiana's share of the funding pool for the heating-assistance program for low-income families to $104-million dollars. The state has added $2-million dollars more left over from last year.

Ingrid Simmons with South Bend's Real Services Inc. says applications in her five-county area are up 19-percent from the same point last year. She says it's a reflection of both the increased funds available and the sour economy.

The state has increased the amount available for each family receiving assistance. To apply, you need to bring proof of income and your heating bill to one of the 24 local community-action agencies around the state.

People earning less than 150-percent of the poverty level can apply at local community action agencies. For a family of four, that's around $32,000 dollars a year.

The state is anticipating an additional $40,000 families will apply this year.